All I See Is Gray
Boston, Massachusetts | Film Short
Drama, Family
When a veteran is struck with psychogenic blindness, his wife struggles to hold their fractured family and two distant sons together.
All I See Is Gray
Boston, Massachusetts | Film Short
Drama, Family
1 Campaigns | Massachusetts, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $4,215 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
41 supporters | followers
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When a veteran is struck with psychogenic blindness, his wife struggles to hold their fractured family and two distant sons together.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
LOGLINE:
When a veteran is struck with psychogenic blindness, his wife struggles to hold their fractured family and two distant sons together.
ABOUT THE FILM - A SYNOPSIS:
When veteran Robyn Edwards suddenly loses his sight, doctors find no physical cause, only a rare stress-related condition tied to his PTSD. His wife, Anita, tries to manage his care while keeping the household afloat, hiding overdue bills and shouldering everything on her own. Their eldest son, Daniel, a disciplined Army reservist, tries to help, while the youngest, Joseph, an art student, resents the military life that’s shaped his family.
As Anita juggles work and mounting debt, tensions rise between the brothers and their father. Joseph and Robyn clash during a tense trip to the doctor’s office, Daniel discovers his family is in bigger financial trouble than he was aware of, and a family dinner turns into an explosive confrontation that exposes years of frustration and silence.
All I See Is Gray follows one family pushed to its breaking point as they try to find understanding in the aftermath of trauma. It’s a grounded, character-driven drama about pride, love, and learning to see the people closest to you before it’s too late.
MEET THE FAMILY - OUR PROTAGONISTS:
ROBYN - Our protagonist, a stubborn and angry veteran coping with psychogenic blindness. He would rather harbor resentment than accept love and support from his family, especially from his youngest son, Joseph.
JOSEPH - Robyn’s youngest son, who has sacrificed his entire future to pay for his father’s never-ending medical care. He is close to losing hope for his father, and he resents his family for enabling Robyn.
ANITA - Robyn’s supportive wife who is devoted to nursing him back to health, at the expense of her own well-being and the rest of her family.
DANIEL - Robyn’s oldest son and clear favorite. He is the “golden boy” of the family and follows in his father’s footsteps by serving in the military.
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT:
"The American Dream varies for everyone, but at its core lies the idea that if you provide for your country, your country will provide for you. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, especially for veterans. All I See Is Gray explores the cracks and flaws within the American Dream, incorporating themes of toxic masculinity and generational trauma. Through the story of the Edwards family, we’re reminded that it may be broken, but there are still parts worth fighting for." - Amanda Hess
INSPIRATION:
Our director has taken multiple sources for inspiration, both for the story and the cinematography. Here are three of her biggest inspirations for the film:
FUNDRAISING:
Independent filmmaking takes grit, heart, and a community that believes in the story, and that’s where YOU come in. All I See Is Gray has already received 67% of our funding from Boston University's film department.
We’re now raising the final $4,000 to bring this project to life exactly as we’ve envisioned it. These funds will go toward essential production elements like our filming locations, camera & equipment, production design, and post-production—allowing us to make the film as powerful and authentic as it deserves to be. Every contribution brings us one step closer to sharing this story of love, family, and healing with the world.
Here is an analytical pie chart of where we are planning to use the TOTAL funds:
WHERE WE ARE:
We’re currently in pre-production and preparing to shoot in Boston in early November. Our cast is locked, our locations are secured, and our crew—made up of Boston University filmmakers and local professionals—is ready to roll. The script is complete, and we’ve begun rehearsals to capture the emotional depth at the heart of this story.
We plan to use the funds across three key stages of the filmmaking process:
During production (Early November 2025), the funds will cover camera and lighting rentals, production design, props, costumes, transportation, and meals for our cast and crew.
In post-production (Late November 2025–March 2026), the money will go toward editing, color correction, sound mixing, scoring, and all the finishing touches that bring the story to life.
Finally, throughout distribution (March–June 2026), the remaining funds will support festival submissions, marketing materials, and community screenings to share All I See Is Gray with audiences in Boston and beyond.
WHY US?
All I See Is Gray is a thesis short film for Boston University's Production III course, but it will exist as an entity beyond BU! We are a team of senior filmmakers from Boston University who want to make an impact with our senior thesis. Each of us brings immense determination and experience. Our team has worked at organizations such as GBH's Antiques Roadshow, Boston Casting, and Nash Pictures. Telling a story about real people, we draw on our team's extensive international experience, having worked not only across the United States but also in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. We may be college seniors, but we have a lifetime ahead to bring meaningful stories to audiences all over the world.
WHY THIS STORY & WHY NOW?
There’s a clear gap in how mental health is represented on screen, and an even bigger gap when it comes to veterans and people of color. All I See Is Gray tells a story rarely portrayed in film—one that brings visibility to struggles left unseen.
It’s a timely story. From the beginning of time to today, our world has always been in some sort of conflict about the state of things. On a personal level, these conflicts affect us and often in ways other people can't see. Through it all, the one place we turn for comfort and strength is our family—whether by blood or by choice—the people who hold us together when everything else falls apart.
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO HELP:
We get it, independent films aren't cheap! But if a donation isn't possible right now, there are plenty of free ways to make a huge impact. Every bit of encouragement helps us bring All I See Is Gray to life.
FOLLOW OUR SEED&SPARK PAGE
See that little blue heart at the top right of this page? Once we hit 250 followers, we unlock amazing creator perks like festival fee waivers, marketing consultations, and production resources that will help this story reach wider audiences.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
We’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes moments, crew spotlights, and updates throughout our campaign—and we’d love for you to be part of it! Follow @alliseeisgray_film on Instagram to stay connected and watch the journey unfold.
SPREAD THE WORD
Our campaign runs for a limited time, and every share counts! Send the link to a friend, a family member, or anyone who believes in meaningful, representation-driven storytelling. The more people who hear about our project, the closer we get to making it real.
DONATE IN-KIND SUPPORT
Maybe you have access to a Boston-area filming location, know a local restaurant or veteran organization that might want to collaborate, or could lend production materials like props, costumes, or gear. Check out our Wish List to see what we’re looking for—or reach out with an idea!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
The Family Home
Costs $1,200
The family home is the heart of our story, where love and fractures collide. Your support helps us bring it to life
Camera, Lenses, Lighting & Grip Equipment
Costs $1,000
Cameras and lenses will allow us to elevate the look of this film, so that it looks professional, intimate, and true to our story
Military Uniforms & Medals
Costs $500
Production design brings authenticity: military uniforms to honor our veteran family.
Craft Services
Costs $800
A well-fed crew is a happy crew! Craft services keep our team energized, focused, and ready to bring every scene to life.
Joseph's Pottery & Art Materials
Costs $300
Pottery and art materials help Joseph express himself and cope with his father’s trauma—his art becomes his quiet act of healing.
Hard Drives
Costs $200
A hard drive ensures our editor can safely store, back up, and organize footage—keeping our film secure from start to finish.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our story is told by many voices. Meet the team behind the film.
Amanda Hess, Director
Hi, I’m Amanda Hess, and I’m the Director for All I See Is Gray. I’m currently a senior at Boston University studying Film/TV and Media Science. I’m also a Student Ambassador for Women in Film and have interned for companies such as NY27 Productions and Boston Casting. I was drawn to All I See Is Grey because it’s a multi-generational story that highlights the dark side of the American Dream, which today feels as distant as ever. This family’s struggle is one that many can see themselves in, and through the film, I hope to spark important conversations about mental health and how we can better support our military families. I’m so lucky to have such a talented team working on this; we can’t wait for you to see it.
Check out Amanda's work linked here.
Ariel Narayan, Writer
Hi, I’m Ariel Narayan, the writer of All I See Is Gray. I graduated from Boston University College of Communications in May 2025, and am currently pursuing a Masters degree at BU. I am passionate about diverse storytelling with an emphasis on uplifting underrepresented voices. Outside of BU, I have worked in script development in Los Angeles, London, and the greater Boston area. While writing this story I was inspired by George Carlin’s iconic quote, “it’s called the American dream because you have to be asleep to believe it,” which I believe is increasingly relevant today.
Nefeli Koutsouki, Producer
Hello! I’m Nefeli, a Film and Television student at Boston University specializing in producing. My love for film began with my parents; every night was movie night, and those stories became the reason I am in the film industry today. I’ve lived on three continents: Europe, Asia, and now North America, and along the way, I’ve gathered countless stories that continue to shape the way I see the world. I’ve worked across both creative and production roles, including as a Production Intern for GBH’s Antiques Roadshow, a Producing Intern for Orsini Media, and currently as a Development/Finance intern in Atlas Entertainment, based in Los Angeles. Through these experiences, I deepened my understanding of both the art and the business of filmmaking. As a producer, I’m drawn to stories that reveal truth through our connections with each other. For All I See Is Gray, I approached producing by doing everything I could to give my creative team the freedom to fully shape the film’s visuals, aesthetic, and meaning. My work spans indie shorts, features, and docu-series, and my short film RIP MY HEART OUT recently won Outstanding Horror Short at the 2024 Ridgefield Independent Film Festival.
Check out Nefeli's work linked here.
James Ninneman, Director of Photography
Hey everyone! I’m James Ninneman, the cinematographer for All I See is Gray. Throughout my time at BU, I’ve amassed a diverse portfolio of work, including award-winning short films The Pale Lady and Swan Song. Outside of school, I’ve worked on local commercials and interned with notable production companies such as Nash Pictures and Toy Soldier Films. All I See Is Gray is a really exciting project for me because it is grounded in social realism. I plan on shooting it in a very grounded, true-to-life style, relying on natural light to find the beauty in everyday places and people. When I’m not out on a shoot, you can most likely find me playing chess, cheffing up, or hitting the gym.
Check out James's work linked here.
Madelyn Irwin, Production Designer
Hi, I’m Madelyn Irwin, the Production Designer for All I See Is Gray. I’m a senior at Boston University’s College of Communication, where I’ve done all sorts of things on a handful of short films. I approach Production Design with an emphasis on color and finding small details to attach to characters. What drew me to this project is the opportunity to work with the RYB color model as opposed to the RGB one. It’s my first time revisiting the RYB model, and I intend to use it to create a more muted and painterly look.
Najah Diaz, Head of Sound/Associate Producer
My name is Najah Diaz, and I am the Sound Mixer/Sound Designer for All I See is Gray. I am a Senior at Boston University, and I have been sound mixing since my freshman year. I’ve worked on many successful films such as What Makes Us Girls, Reflections of Us, Swag Song, and many other BU films. As a sound mixer, my goal is to always make sure that dialogue and atmospheric sound are captured cleanly. Along with that, my job is to also make sure that the soundscape of these films makes creative sense, whether that means it is more objective, subjective, and or naturalistic or more stylized. The way a film sounds is one of the most important aspects of the story and experience, and I love to be a part of making sure those visions are executed. I was drawn to this film because of how overlooked some of the main themes of the story are. Mental and physical disabilities are very overlooked in this country, especially when it comes to veterans. Working on this project gives me the opportunity to help in the technical side of telling this important story. Outside of sound mixing and sound designing, you might find me listening to live jazz music or watching a baseball game.
Johnathan Cohen, Editor/Associate Producer
Hey, I’m Johnathan Cohen, the Editor, DIT, and Associate Producer for All I See Is Gray. I’m a senior in Boston University’s Film and Television program, where I’ve worked on projects across varying genres, from family dramas to children’s shows. What drew me to All I See Is Gray was the opportunity to bring a story that has long been ignored and underrepresented to the big screen. In post-production, I intend to foster a sense of naturalism and realism that will drive the narrative and establish that the world our characters are living in is not different from our own. I’m excited to get in the cutting room and bring this story to life!
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
LOGLINE:
When a veteran is struck with psychogenic blindness, his wife struggles to hold their fractured family and two distant sons together.
ABOUT THE FILM - A SYNOPSIS:
When veteran Robyn Edwards suddenly loses his sight, doctors find no physical cause, only a rare stress-related condition tied to his PTSD. His wife, Anita, tries to manage his care while keeping the household afloat, hiding overdue bills and shouldering everything on her own. Their eldest son, Daniel, a disciplined Army reservist, tries to help, while the youngest, Joseph, an art student, resents the military life that’s shaped his family.
As Anita juggles work and mounting debt, tensions rise between the brothers and their father. Joseph and Robyn clash during a tense trip to the doctor’s office, Daniel discovers his family is in bigger financial trouble than he was aware of, and a family dinner turns into an explosive confrontation that exposes years of frustration and silence.
All I See Is Gray follows one family pushed to its breaking point as they try to find understanding in the aftermath of trauma. It’s a grounded, character-driven drama about pride, love, and learning to see the people closest to you before it’s too late.
MEET THE FAMILY - OUR PROTAGONISTS:
ROBYN - Our protagonist, a stubborn and angry veteran coping with psychogenic blindness. He would rather harbor resentment than accept love and support from his family, especially from his youngest son, Joseph.
JOSEPH - Robyn’s youngest son, who has sacrificed his entire future to pay for his father’s never-ending medical care. He is close to losing hope for his father, and he resents his family for enabling Robyn.
ANITA - Robyn’s supportive wife who is devoted to nursing him back to health, at the expense of her own well-being and the rest of her family.
DANIEL - Robyn’s oldest son and clear favorite. He is the “golden boy” of the family and follows in his father’s footsteps by serving in the military.
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT:
"The American Dream varies for everyone, but at its core lies the idea that if you provide for your country, your country will provide for you. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, especially for veterans. All I See Is Gray explores the cracks and flaws within the American Dream, incorporating themes of toxic masculinity and generational trauma. Through the story of the Edwards family, we’re reminded that it may be broken, but there are still parts worth fighting for." - Amanda Hess
INSPIRATION:
Our director has taken multiple sources for inspiration, both for the story and the cinematography. Here are three of her biggest inspirations for the film:
FUNDRAISING:
Independent filmmaking takes grit, heart, and a community that believes in the story, and that’s where YOU come in. All I See Is Gray has already received 67% of our funding from Boston University's film department.
We’re now raising the final $4,000 to bring this project to life exactly as we’ve envisioned it. These funds will go toward essential production elements like our filming locations, camera & equipment, production design, and post-production—allowing us to make the film as powerful and authentic as it deserves to be. Every contribution brings us one step closer to sharing this story of love, family, and healing with the world.
Here is an analytical pie chart of where we are planning to use the TOTAL funds:
WHERE WE ARE:
We’re currently in pre-production and preparing to shoot in Boston in early November. Our cast is locked, our locations are secured, and our crew—made up of Boston University filmmakers and local professionals—is ready to roll. The script is complete, and we’ve begun rehearsals to capture the emotional depth at the heart of this story.
We plan to use the funds across three key stages of the filmmaking process:
During production (Early November 2025), the funds will cover camera and lighting rentals, production design, props, costumes, transportation, and meals for our cast and crew.
In post-production (Late November 2025–March 2026), the money will go toward editing, color correction, sound mixing, scoring, and all the finishing touches that bring the story to life.
Finally, throughout distribution (March–June 2026), the remaining funds will support festival submissions, marketing materials, and community screenings to share All I See Is Gray with audiences in Boston and beyond.
WHY US?
All I See Is Gray is a thesis short film for Boston University's Production III course, but it will exist as an entity beyond BU! We are a team of senior filmmakers from Boston University who want to make an impact with our senior thesis. Each of us brings immense determination and experience. Our team has worked at organizations such as GBH's Antiques Roadshow, Boston Casting, and Nash Pictures. Telling a story about real people, we draw on our team's extensive international experience, having worked not only across the United States but also in the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. We may be college seniors, but we have a lifetime ahead to bring meaningful stories to audiences all over the world.
WHY THIS STORY & WHY NOW?
There’s a clear gap in how mental health is represented on screen, and an even bigger gap when it comes to veterans and people of color. All I See Is Gray tells a story rarely portrayed in film—one that brings visibility to struggles left unseen.
It’s a timely story. From the beginning of time to today, our world has always been in some sort of conflict about the state of things. On a personal level, these conflicts affect us and often in ways other people can't see. Through it all, the one place we turn for comfort and strength is our family—whether by blood or by choice—the people who hold us together when everything else falls apart.
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO HELP:
We get it, independent films aren't cheap! But if a donation isn't possible right now, there are plenty of free ways to make a huge impact. Every bit of encouragement helps us bring All I See Is Gray to life.
FOLLOW OUR SEED&SPARK PAGE
See that little blue heart at the top right of this page? Once we hit 250 followers, we unlock amazing creator perks like festival fee waivers, marketing consultations, and production resources that will help this story reach wider audiences.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
We’ll be sharing behind-the-scenes moments, crew spotlights, and updates throughout our campaign—and we’d love for you to be part of it! Follow @alliseeisgray_film on Instagram to stay connected and watch the journey unfold.
SPREAD THE WORD
Our campaign runs for a limited time, and every share counts! Send the link to a friend, a family member, or anyone who believes in meaningful, representation-driven storytelling. The more people who hear about our project, the closer we get to making it real.
DONATE IN-KIND SUPPORT
Maybe you have access to a Boston-area filming location, know a local restaurant or veteran organization that might want to collaborate, or could lend production materials like props, costumes, or gear. Check out our Wish List to see what we’re looking for—or reach out with an idea!
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
The Family Home
Costs $1,200
The family home is the heart of our story, where love and fractures collide. Your support helps us bring it to life
Camera, Lenses, Lighting & Grip Equipment
Costs $1,000
Cameras and lenses will allow us to elevate the look of this film, so that it looks professional, intimate, and true to our story
Military Uniforms & Medals
Costs $500
Production design brings authenticity: military uniforms to honor our veteran family.
Craft Services
Costs $800
A well-fed crew is a happy crew! Craft services keep our team energized, focused, and ready to bring every scene to life.
Joseph's Pottery & Art Materials
Costs $300
Pottery and art materials help Joseph express himself and cope with his father’s trauma—his art becomes his quiet act of healing.
Hard Drives
Costs $200
A hard drive ensures our editor can safely store, back up, and organize footage—keeping our film secure from start to finish.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Our story is told by many voices. Meet the team behind the film.
Amanda Hess, Director
Hi, I’m Amanda Hess, and I’m the Director for All I See Is Gray. I’m currently a senior at Boston University studying Film/TV and Media Science. I’m also a Student Ambassador for Women in Film and have interned for companies such as NY27 Productions and Boston Casting. I was drawn to All I See Is Grey because it’s a multi-generational story that highlights the dark side of the American Dream, which today feels as distant as ever. This family’s struggle is one that many can see themselves in, and through the film, I hope to spark important conversations about mental health and how we can better support our military families. I’m so lucky to have such a talented team working on this; we can’t wait for you to see it.
Check out Amanda's work linked here.
Ariel Narayan, Writer
Hi, I’m Ariel Narayan, the writer of All I See Is Gray. I graduated from Boston University College of Communications in May 2025, and am currently pursuing a Masters degree at BU. I am passionate about diverse storytelling with an emphasis on uplifting underrepresented voices. Outside of BU, I have worked in script development in Los Angeles, London, and the greater Boston area. While writing this story I was inspired by George Carlin’s iconic quote, “it’s called the American dream because you have to be asleep to believe it,” which I believe is increasingly relevant today.
Nefeli Koutsouki, Producer
Hello! I’m Nefeli, a Film and Television student at Boston University specializing in producing. My love for film began with my parents; every night was movie night, and those stories became the reason I am in the film industry today. I’ve lived on three continents: Europe, Asia, and now North America, and along the way, I’ve gathered countless stories that continue to shape the way I see the world. I’ve worked across both creative and production roles, including as a Production Intern for GBH’s Antiques Roadshow, a Producing Intern for Orsini Media, and currently as a Development/Finance intern in Atlas Entertainment, based in Los Angeles. Through these experiences, I deepened my understanding of both the art and the business of filmmaking. As a producer, I’m drawn to stories that reveal truth through our connections with each other. For All I See Is Gray, I approached producing by doing everything I could to give my creative team the freedom to fully shape the film’s visuals, aesthetic, and meaning. My work spans indie shorts, features, and docu-series, and my short film RIP MY HEART OUT recently won Outstanding Horror Short at the 2024 Ridgefield Independent Film Festival.
Check out Nefeli's work linked here.
James Ninneman, Director of Photography
Hey everyone! I’m James Ninneman, the cinematographer for All I See is Gray. Throughout my time at BU, I’ve amassed a diverse portfolio of work, including award-winning short films The Pale Lady and Swan Song. Outside of school, I’ve worked on local commercials and interned with notable production companies such as Nash Pictures and Toy Soldier Films. All I See Is Gray is a really exciting project for me because it is grounded in social realism. I plan on shooting it in a very grounded, true-to-life style, relying on natural light to find the beauty in everyday places and people. When I’m not out on a shoot, you can most likely find me playing chess, cheffing up, or hitting the gym.
Check out James's work linked here.
Madelyn Irwin, Production Designer
Hi, I’m Madelyn Irwin, the Production Designer for All I See Is Gray. I’m a senior at Boston University’s College of Communication, where I’ve done all sorts of things on a handful of short films. I approach Production Design with an emphasis on color and finding small details to attach to characters. What drew me to this project is the opportunity to work with the RYB color model as opposed to the RGB one. It’s my first time revisiting the RYB model, and I intend to use it to create a more muted and painterly look.
Najah Diaz, Head of Sound/Associate Producer
My name is Najah Diaz, and I am the Sound Mixer/Sound Designer for All I See is Gray. I am a Senior at Boston University, and I have been sound mixing since my freshman year. I’ve worked on many successful films such as What Makes Us Girls, Reflections of Us, Swag Song, and many other BU films. As a sound mixer, my goal is to always make sure that dialogue and atmospheric sound are captured cleanly. Along with that, my job is to also make sure that the soundscape of these films makes creative sense, whether that means it is more objective, subjective, and or naturalistic or more stylized. The way a film sounds is one of the most important aspects of the story and experience, and I love to be a part of making sure those visions are executed. I was drawn to this film because of how overlooked some of the main themes of the story are. Mental and physical disabilities are very overlooked in this country, especially when it comes to veterans. Working on this project gives me the opportunity to help in the technical side of telling this important story. Outside of sound mixing and sound designing, you might find me listening to live jazz music or watching a baseball game.
Johnathan Cohen, Editor/Associate Producer
Hey, I’m Johnathan Cohen, the Editor, DIT, and Associate Producer for All I See Is Gray. I’m a senior in Boston University’s Film and Television program, where I’ve worked on projects across varying genres, from family dramas to children’s shows. What drew me to All I See Is Gray was the opportunity to bring a story that has long been ignored and underrepresented to the big screen. In post-production, I intend to foster a sense of naturalism and realism that will drive the narrative and establish that the world our characters are living in is not different from our own. I’m excited to get in the cutting room and bring this story to life!